Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
AI, Global Markets and the Digital Economy
Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
AI, Global Markets and the Digital Economy
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the global economy at an unprecedented pace. This course provides a comprehensive and academically rigorous introduction to the rapidly evolving digital economy, examining how AI is transforming global markets, altering competitive dynamics, and driving profound structural change across industries and national economies.
The course begins by introducing students to the conceptual foundations of the digital economy, exploring how data, algorithms, and digital platforms have created new forms of value, reshaped market structures, and challenged traditional economic models. Students will investigate the rise of platform-based markets and the concentration of economic power among global digital giants such as Amazon, Alibaba, Google, Meta, Tencent, and ByteDance. Particular attention will be placed on understanding how AI enables these firms to scale, personalise services, and dominate global value chains.
Building on this foundation, the course then examines the impact of AI on global competition and economic leadership. Students will compare the digital strategies and regulatory approaches of major economies—including China, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom—and analyse how technological capability is becoming a critical driver of geopolitical and economic advantage. Topics include industrial policy, digital sovereignty, cross-border data flows, digital trade, and the global race for AI leadership.
A further section of the course explores the implications of AI for labour markets and productivity. Students will analyse how automation, algorithmic management, and new forms of digital labour are reshaping employment patterns, wages, and global production networks. Case studies will be used to illustrate how AI affects manufacturing, logistics, finance, e-commerce, media, and professional services.
In the second week, the course turns to digital finance and emerging fintech ecosystems. Students will examine how AI-driven financial technologies—such as algorithmic risk scoring, robo-advisory systems, cross-border digital payments, blockchain-based applications, and regulatory technology (RegTech)—are transforming financial systems and global market operations. Comparisons will be made between China’s digital financial landscape and developments in Western economies.
The course concludes by assessing the challenges and risks of the digital economy, including competition policy, data protection, platform regulation, AI governance, and the ethical dilemmas posed by algorithmic decision-making. Students will be encouraged to reflect critically on the societal implications of AI-driven economic change and to develop informed perspectives on future global economic trajectories.
Through a combination of lectures, structured analytical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain a sophisticated interdisciplinary understanding of how AI is reshaping global markets and driving deep economic transformation.
Who should apply:
This course is ideal for undergraduates studying:
- Economics
- Finance
- Accounting
- Business and Management
- International Business
- International Trade and Logistics
- Public Policy and Governance
- Digital Media and Internet Economy
- Data Science (non-technical)
- International Relations and Global Studies
Accounting and finance students will benefit in particular from understanding how AI and digital systems are transforming financial reporting, auditing processes, financial markets, and the infrastructure of global business practice.
For English requirement information, please see the Apply page.
Location: Lincoln College, University of Oxford
For Ages: 18+ (at time of attendance)
Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights and 14days)
Price: £4699
Date: Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
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FAQ
How can I book my place on the programme?
To book your place on the Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College, please complete our online application form. Once we have received your application, you will be sent an email to confirm your booking, with details about how to pay the course fees and the date this payment is due.
If you have any questions about the application form, then please contact us and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
What are the English Language requirements?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is a unique course. This is because it is run by Oxford University academics and is based on a truly stimulating academic programme. For students to be able to make the most of the course, they will be required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
If you have any questions or concerns about this English language requirement, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be able to advise you.
Can I organise my own accommodation?
Part of the experience is the opportunity to live, dine and study like an Oxford University student. This is why all students on the programme must stay onsite at Lincoln College.
Can I study more than one course?
There are 4 courses on offer for 2025, and students can choose one to study for the full two weeks.
Will I have to take exams?
There will be no official exams on this course. Students will be assessed based on essays, assignments and projects marked by the course tutor.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
Students will receive personalised feedback from their tutors both as verbal feedback during tutorial or seminar discussions and written feedback on any work they hand in. The nature of this feedback will depend on the course students are studying.
At the end of the programme, students will receive a certificate of attainment provided they have carried out the work to the best of their ability and actively participated in lessons and certifying the level they achieved.
Will I receive credit points?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is equivalent to 10 hours of credits in both the US and ECTS system. Your current university may choose to accept these credits towards your current degree. To be sure, please ask your university to get in touch with us and our Programme Director will be able to speak to the appropriate person at your university.
Will I be awarded with a certificate?
Yes, all students will receive either a certificate of attainment or a certificate of attendance at a specially organised graduation ceremony. This certificate will prove that you have carried out work of a challenging academic nature and may even be used towards credit at your current university (see above question on credits).
Will my tutor be able to provide me with a reference?
Students will have the opportunity to request references from their academic tutors on the programme. However, students should note that Academic References in the UK are extremely precise, and Referees are expected to comment on the length of time they have known a student for, on the precise nature and format of the teaching delivered, as well as on their academic performance in assessment and in class. Two weeks is a very short time to prove to your tutors that you are an excellent and high-achieving student, and even considering the intensive small-group format adopted by the Oxford Summer Academy Programme, it may be difficult for tutors to provide adequate and compelling reference unless you are truly determined to excel. If you anticipate that you will be requesting a Reference from your tutors, we recommend that you do your very best to demonstrate your engagement, commitment, and motivation to your tutors, preparing your work with care and contributing to in-class discussion regularly as well as investing significant amounts of energy in your personal project.
Please note that it is common practice in the UK for References to be provided by your course Tutor, rather than the Programme Director, although it is possible for us to produce a Reference that is jointly signed by the Tutor and the Oxford Summer Academy Programme.
Is it hard to get into Oxford Summer Courses?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is open to adults aged 18 and over, including international students. To ensure participants can fully engage with the course material, a minimum English language proficiency is required. Acceptable qualifications include:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 90
PTE (Pearson Test of English): 61
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176
LanguageCert International ESOL B2: High Pass
LanguageCert International ESOL C1: Pass
Duolingo English Test: 120
These requirements ensure that all participants can effectively engage with the academic content and discussions throughout the programme.
